The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) launched its “Workers vs. Billionaires” campaign during a rally led by International President Brian Bryant at the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center in Hollywood, Md., on May 5. The launch coincided with the union’s 138th anniversary.
The campaign seeks to mobilize IAM members and allies ahead of the midterm elections, focusing on issues such as fair wages, labor protections, retirement security, and the right to organize. The event drew hundreds of IAM members, labor leaders, and community supporters both in person and online.
“Today, we are living through the greatest concentration of wealth in history,” said IAM International President Brian Bryant. “A small group of people has accumulated more money than entire national economies, and they are using it to buy politicians, break unions, offshore jobs, and gut the regulations that protect working families.”
Maryland State and DC AFL-CIO President Donna Edwards addressed attendees: “We’re celebrating 138 years of this union, a growing power, saving workers and making life better. Nothing has ever been given to labor. We have fought for everything: safer work conditions, time off, overtime pay, benefits, and sick leave. Everything has to be a fight, and then we do win… In all of our unions you never stand alone. You never fight alone. We are in this together.”
Other speakers included Washington Metropolitan Labor Council Secretary-Treasurer Samuel Epps; IAM Human Rights Director Nicole Fears; and Kevin Gallagher—a former Apple retail worker from Towson who now organizes with IAM District 4—who shared their perspectives on workplace organizing efforts.
“Apple made $94 billion in profit last year… Here is what they forget and what we are here today to remind them: you cannot close the movement,” said Epps.
Gallagher said: “I knew that Apple was the world’s most profitable company… but what I do know after organizing and winning twice is that when we organize we win!”
The kickoff was livestreamed for members across North America to participate remotely.
Bryant concluded: “Billionaires have the money but we have the people… They have the politicians but we have each other —and that is why we will win.”
